DDR-Deutsche Demokratische Republik/ East German awards and correct terminology.

Article about: by Gunny Hartmann also to Hagen for the photos. You're welcome Gunny! After decades of on and off collecting Third Reich I found DDR collecting to be very rewarding and a lot less stressful.

Re: DDR-Deutsche Demokratische Republik/ East German awards and correct terminology.

Re: DDR-Deutsche Demokratische Republik/ East German awards and correct terminology.

Ernst Schneller Medalle;

Instituted 1961. Is the highest award of the Gesellschaft fur sport und Technik, (GST) or Sports and Technology.

The GST did pre-military training for youth 14-25 in the use of rifles, machine guns, map reading, military drill, truck and motorcycle driving and even parachuting.

Not for sport or enjoyment, the training was done by active duty NCO's to shorten basic training time.

The Medal was at first awarded in three grades Gold, Silver and Bronze at first on an enamel ribbon bar suspension, later versions were awarded in Silver and Bronze with the Gold being replaced by an Honor Clasp. These later versions also had the ribbon suspension.

Instituted 15 Nov 1973 and first awarded on the Day of Health 11 Dec 1973. To all employees of health and social cares for constant dedication and hard work in the service of health and life to the citizens of East Germany.